https://www.syncsci.com/journal/TCPP/issue/feed Theory and Clinical Practice in Pediatrics 2024-10-01T20:19:17+08:00 Snowy Wang snowy.wang@syncsci.com Open Journal Systems <p><a title="Registered Journal" href="https://www.reviewercredits.com/user/theory-clin-pract-pediatr" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="journalreviewercredits" src="/journal/public/site/images/jasongong/Logo_ReviewerCredits-journal.jpg" alt="ReviewerCredits" align="right"></a><strong>Theory and Clinical Practice in Pediatrics (TCPP)&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;(eISSN:2529-749X) is an open access, continuously published, international, refereed&nbsp; journal to pediatrics, publishing theoretical, clinical, and professional practice issues relevant to pediatrics, as broadly defined.</p> <p>Topics of interest include, but are not limited to the following:<br>• Developmental-Behavioral Medicine &nbsp; <br>• Neonatology <br>• Pediatric allergy and immunology<br>• Pediatric cardiology<br>• Pediatric critical care<br>• Pediatric emergency medicine<br>• Pediatric endocrinology<br>• Pediatric gastroenterology<br>• Pediatric hematology<br>• Pediatric infectious disease<br>• Pediatric nephrology<br>• Pediatric neuropsychology<br>• Pediatric oncology<br>• Pediatric pulmonology<br>• Genetics</p> https://www.syncsci.com/journal/TCPP/article/view/TCPP.2024.01.003 Social perceptions of childhood diarrhea in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A qualitative study 2024-10-01T20:19:17+08:00 Sidonie Musangu Tshika editor@syncsci.com Gertrude Bukasa Kayiba editor@syncsci.com Oscar Numbi Luboya oscarluboya@hotmail.com <p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Infantile diarrhea remains a public health problem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where infant mortality linked to this disease remains high despite the proven efficacy of oral rehydration therapy. This study aims to understand the social perceptions of childhood diarrhea among mothers in Lubumbashi, by examining how they diagnose and treat the disease through both popular and biomedical representations.<br><strong>Material and </strong><strong>methods</strong><strong>:</strong> The study was conducted in Lubumbashi, the capital of Haut-Katanga in the DRC, utilizing a qualitative methodology that involved semi-structured interviews with 32 randomly chosen mothers. Selection criteria encompassed the number of children, educational level, religion, and age range (18 to 60). Information was gathered through documents and interviews conducted in Swahili, subsequently translated into French, and analyzed utilizing Jean-Blaise Grize’s ‘natural logic’ to grasp social representations.<br><strong>Results</strong><strong>:</strong> The study revealed that the majority of mothers associated diarrhea with physical signs such as dehydration, watery stools, depressed fontanel, and sunken eyes. Several mothers attributed the diarrhea to cultural causes, such as the consumption of certain foods by pregnant women (e.g. “kabambale”) or the practice of breastfeeding by pregnant mothers. Local diseases such as “lukunga” and “kilonda ntumbo” are considered to be specific forms of diarrhea in popular culture. Treatments include traditional remedies such as ash applications and sitz baths.<br><strong>Conclusion</strong><strong>:</strong> Perceptions of childhood diarrhea in Lubumbashi reflect a tension between cultural beliefs and biomedical knowledge, where rehydration is often neglected. The study recommends raising community awareness of the effectiveness of ORT while respecting local beliefs.</p> 2024-10-01T20:19:17+08:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Sidonie Musangu Tshika, Gertrude Bukasa Kayiba, Oscar Numbi Luboya https://www.syncsci.com/journal/TCPP/article/view/TCPP.2024.01.002 Anencephaly: A case report and the crucial role of folic acid supplementation and early diagnosis 2024-04-27T15:35:18+08:00 Girress Katshiemba Mutumbua girressmutumbua@gmail.com Bony Luboya Numbi editor@syncsci.com Yannick Nkiambi Kiakuvue editor@syncsci.com Fortunat Shimatu Muhemba editor@syncsci.com Élie Tshintu Mulumba editor@syncsci.com Jannot Mpanya Mpanya editor@syncsci.com Ali Mukendi editor@syncsci.com Deo Mwelwa editor@syncsci.com Samuel Kabunda editor@syncsci.com <p>Anencephaly is a congenital malformation caused by neural tube failure, which can be managed through folic acid intake during pregnancy. Diagnosis is typically prenatal, and termination of pregnancy is often recommended. A newborn born at Kolwezi paediatric clinic was born with a visible congenital malformation. The mother had a low socio-economic background and was 41 years old. An ultrasound scan revealed a progressing pregnancy at 30 weeks gestation with polyhydramnios. No antenatal care monitoring or folic acid prophylaxis was implemented during the periconceptional period and throughout the pregnancy. Anencephaly diagnosis was confirmed, and the newborn died five minutes post-birth. Preventive folic acid treatment has shown a decrease in neural tube defects, and first-trimester ultrasound scans can help identify life-incompatible congenital malformations. Advocating for legislative measures and genetic counselling is crucial to educate parents on recurrence risks and the advantages of folic acid supplementation before subsequent pregnancies.</p> 2024-04-26T15:03:39+08:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Girress Katshiemba Mutumbua, Bonnie Luboya Numbi, Yannick Nkiambi Kiakuvue, Fortunat Shimatu Muhemba, Élie Tshintu Mulumba, Jannot Mpanya Mpanya, Ali Mukendi, Deo Mwelwa, Samuel Kabunda https://www.syncsci.com/journal/TCPP/article/view/TCPP.2024.01.001 Exploring quality of life disparities among 177 families with children affected by cleft lip and/or palate: A comprehensive analysis using the Impact on Family Scale 2024-04-27T17:00:08+08:00 Médard Kakule Kabuyaya editor@syncsci.com Olivier Mukuku oliviermukuku@yahoo.fr Jonathan M. L. Kasereka editor@syncsci.com Ahuka Onalongombe editor@syncsci.com Eshete Mekonen editor@syncsci.com Todd M. Van Ye editor@syncsci.com Paul Millican editor@syncsci.com Stanis Okitotsho Wembonyama editor@syncsci.com Severin Uwonda Akinja editor@syncsci.com <p><strong>Objective</strong>: This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of parents/caregivers of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) using the Impact on Family Scale (IOFS).<br><strong>Methods</strong>: Families of children requiring primary or secondary CLP repair were recruited based on the inclusion criteria. The IOFS questionnaire was utilized to assess perceived QoL. Multiple logistic regression was employed to determine factors linked to impacted QoL.<br><strong>Results</strong>: Out of the 192 families contacted, 177 participated (92.2%). The patients had a mean age of 8.9 ± 5.4 months, with a majority of families residing in rural areas (67.2%). The questionnaires assessed QoL before surgery, revealing a mean total QoL score of 68.8 ± 19.4, with 49.7% of families experiencing affected QoL. The analysis demonstrated a significant association between the female sex of parents/caregivers and a more impacted QoL (p = 0.018), as well as between the absence of a history of CLP in the family and a more affected QoL (adjusted odds ratio = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.3 – 6.7; p = 0.008).<br><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Caring for a child with CLP significantly decreases parents/caregivers’ QoL in all domains. The results emphasize the significance of considering the family history of CLP and the gender of the parents in the comprehensive care of affected families.</p> 2024-04-25T14:22:18+08:00 Copyright (c) 2024 Médard Kakule Kabuyaya, Olivier Mukuku, Jonathan M. L. Kasereka, Ahuka Onalongombe, Eshete Mekonen, Todd M. Van Ye, Paul Millican, Stanis Okitotsho Wembonyama, Severin Uwonda Akinja https://www.syncsci.com/journal/TCPP/article/view/TCPP.2022.01.002 Impact of feeding practices on nutritional status of infants aged 12 to 23 months in Lubumbashi, DRC: A community based cross-sectional study 2022-11-04T13:26:05+08:00 Carrel Zalula Mavuta editor@syncsci.com Augustin Mulangu Mutombo editor@syncsci.com Toni Kasole Lubala editor@syncsci.com Olivier Mukuku oliviermukuku@yahoo.fr Adonis Muganza Nyenga editor@syncsci.com Mick Ya-Pongombo Shongo editor@syncsci.com Maguy Sangaji Kabuya editor@syncsci.com Assumani N’Simbo editor@syncsci.com Aimée Mudekereza editor@syncsci.com Oscar Numbi Luboya oscarluboya@hotmail.com Stanislas Okitotsho Wembonyama editor@syncsci.com <p><strong>Purpose:</strong> In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), malnutrition remains a public health problem despite interventions to improve the nutritional status of children. The objective of this study is to determine the degree of association between dietary practices and malnutrition among infants aged 12 to 23 months in Lubumbashi (DRC).<br><strong>Methods:</strong> We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study of 574 infants between 12 and 23 months of age from urban and semi-urban areas. Door to door survey was done to collect data. Nutritional status was assessed and compared with feeding practices. A multivariate analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between dietary practices and malnutrition in these children.<br><strong>Results:</strong> Bottle feeding before 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.8 [1.2-2.8]; p = 0.006), introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods before 6 months (aOR = 2.1 [1.0-4.3]; p = 0.042), and insufficient minimum dietary diversity (aOR=2.3 [1.6-3.5]; p &lt; 0.0001) were independently associated with stunting. Late breastfeeding initiation (aOR = 2.4 [1.1-5.0]; p = 0.023) increases the risk of wasting.<br><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Infant malnutrition is sometimes a reflection of inappropriate eating practices from the early stages of a child’s life.&nbsp; Adherence to sufficient nutritional recommendations at birth can reduce this burden in developing countries.</p> 2022-11-04T13:26:05+08:00 Copyright (c) 2022 Carrel Zalula Mavuta, Augustin Mulangu Mutombo, Toni Kasole Lubala, Olivier Mukuku, Adonis Muganza Nyenga, Mick Ya-Pongombo Shongo, Maguy Sangaji Kabuya, Assumani N’Simbo, Aimée Mudekereza, Oscar Numbi Luboya, Stanislas Okitotsho Wembonyama https://www.syncsci.com/journal/TCPP/article/view/TCPP.2022.01.001 Brief review: Psychological health and life quality of cerebral palsy 2022-04-26T15:46:16+08:00 Nita Bhatt editor@syncsci.com Jesse Canella editor@syncsci.com Julie P. Gentile julie.gentile@wright.edu <p><span lang="EN-US">Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of disability that develops in infancy. This complex disorder affects adult life in a powerful way. Challenges include performing motor skills and achieving physical capabilities. The majority of individuals also report lifelong psychosocial stressors. Furthermore, mental health issues occur more commonly in this patient subset, as do struggles with employment and education. Often the severity of challenges correlates to the severity of the cerebral palsy. The prognosis of individuals with cerebral palsy has improved over the last three decades, although it continues to be a lifelong condition. In order to promote healthy aging across their lifespan, intervention programs should be considered to improve physical well-being, and care should be taken to maintain mental health.</span></p> 2022-04-26T15:45:56+08:00 Copyright (c) 2022 Nita Bhatt, Jesse Canella, Julie P. Gentile https://www.syncsci.com/journal/TCPP/article/view/TCPP.2021.01.006 Neonatal sepsis: A review of the literature 2021-11-22T12:59:07+08:00 Adonis Muganza Nyenga editor@syncsci.com Olivier Mukuku oliviermukuku@yahoo.fr Stanis Okitotsho Wembonyama editor@syncsci.com <p>Neonatal sepsis contributes significantly to neonatal morbidity and mortality and is a major public health challenge around the world. Depending on the mode of occurrence, a distinction is made between maternal-transmitted infection and that acquired in the postnatal period. Although the etiologies maternally transmitted diseases are well understood, those of postnatal acquired infections are variable depending on the epidemiology of each hospital environment. On the one hand, risk factors for maternal-transmitted infections are maternal sepsis, prolonged premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, and bacteriuria in the mother during pregnancy. On the other hand, risk factors for postnatal acquired infections are prematurity, low birth weight, lack of hygiene, and invasive therapeutic interventions. The diagnosis is based on a series of anamnestic, clinical and biological features. Although the positive diagnosis is based on the isolation of the germ by culture on a body sample (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, etc.); its low sensitivity leads to the use of markers of the acute phase of inflammation such as C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and interleukins. New molecular biology techniques are promising and offer precise diagnosis with rapid results. Empirical management is a function of microbial ecology while definitive treatment is guided by the results of microbial culture. This article presents the essential elements for understanding neonatal sepsis and discusses new diagnosis and therapeutic management. It offers a thorough reading based on the issue of infections in newborns.</p> 2021-11-22T12:56:41+08:00 Copyright (c) 2021 Adonis Muganza Nyenga, Olivier Mukuku, Stanis Okitotsho Wembonyama https://www.syncsci.com/journal/TCPP/article/view/TCPP.2021.01.005 Who sleeps better? Sleep patterns and sleep disturbances in adolescents with recurrent abdominal pain or inflammatory bowel disease and healthy controls 2021-09-01T12:34:06+08:00 Ann-Kristin Manhart Ann-Kristin.Manhart@uni-bielefeld.de Angelika A. Schlarb Angelika.Schlarb@uni-bielefeld.de <p><strong>Background:</strong> Sleep difficulties play an important role in the maintenance and course of chronic abdominal pain disorders (RAP and IBD). Particularly among adolescents with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) or recurrent abdominal pain (RAP), adequate sleep seems to be important, as the diseases self and the associated symptoms can cause distress and impair daytime functioning. Hence it seems adequate to take a closer look concerning the sleep difficulties within the different conditions of abdominal pain especially in comparison to a healthy control. To our knowledge no former study compared sleep problems in youths with RAP and IBD as well as healthy controls. Thus the aim of the present study was to 1) evaluate sleep problems in the RAP and IBD and 2) compare the sleep problems of these abdominal pain diseases with a healthy control group.<br> <strong>Methods:</strong> 129 adolescents (14-25 years) took part in the online survey, with 58 suffering from IBD, 23 had RAP and 48 healthy controls. Adolescents completed sleep questionnaires as PSQI, SDSC or NEQ. Data was analysed by conducting MANOVAs to test differences between the three groups followed by a post-hoc analyses.<br> <strong>Results:</strong> Significant differences between both patient groups and healthy controls regarding sleep quality as well as sleep disturbances were found. Results indicate that especially young IBD patients suffered more often from poor sleep quality, sleep disturbances as well as daily effects of nightmares than the control group. The comparison of adolescents with RAP and healthy controls showed elevated scores concerning sleep disturbances for RAP patients. However, IBD and RAP adolescents did not differ significantly concerning most sleep measurements. <br><strong>Discussion:</strong> The study at hand was the first to compare adolescents with IBD and RAP regarding sleep difficulties. Adolescents with IBD and RAP have an impaired sleep quality as well as a higher rate of sleep disturbances and suffer from daily effects of nightmares than the control group. Therefore sleep disturbances should be also addressed when treating IBD and RAP patients to prevent further impairments.</p> 2021-08-31T14:34:32+08:00 Copyright (c) 2021 Ann-Kristin Manhart, Angelika A. Schlarb https://www.syncsci.com/journal/TCPP/article/view/TCPP.2021.01.004 Sleep as a mediator in the context of emotional problems in adolescents with IBD: A pilot study 2021-09-01T12:28:29+08:00 Ann-Kristin Manhart Ann-Kristin.Manhart@uni-bielefeld.de Angelika A. Schlarb editor@syncsci.com <p><strong>Background</strong>: Sleep has an impact on daily life. Particularly among adolescents with IBD, adequate sleep seems to be important, as the disease itself and the associated symptoms can cause distress and impair daytime functioning. However, often parental and youth reports differ regarding perceived sleep problems of adolescents. Besides sleep problems, depression and anxiety are often prominent in young IBD patients. To date, the interplay between sleep, anxiety/depression symptoms and IBD is not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to (1) evaluate sleep problems in adolescents suffering from IBD, (2) compare adolescents’ sleep quality and impairments according to self- and parental reports, and (3) investigate the interaction between IBD symptomatology, emotional problems and sleep disturbances. <br><strong>Methods</strong>: 29 adolescents (age 10 - 22; M = 14.44 , SD = 1.78 ) with IBD and their parents took part in the study. Adolescents and parents completed questionnaires concerning sleep, emotional problems, and IBD symptomatology. <br><strong>Results:</strong> Especially overtiredness, insomnia symptoms, and nightmares play a prominent role regarding sleep problems in youths. Self-rated sleep problems and parental ratings were inconsistent, particularly for nightmares (<em>Z =</em> -2.12; <em>p =</em> 0.034). However, other ratings concerning emotional problems and sleep, especially anxiety and nightmares, were significantly related(<em>r =</em> 0.426, <em>p =</em> 0.034), even though we found no mediation effect for the association between IBD, nightmares and anxiety. <br><strong>Discussion:</strong> The present study revealed the importance of sleep and emotional well-being for adolescents suffering from IBD. Moreover, it became clear that the role of anxiety in youths suffering from IBD and sleep problems is not sufficiently answered yet. Not only emotional behavior but also sleep should be addressed when diagnosing IBD or during treatment of IBD. In addition, these results show the need for further investigation regarding the differences between parental and self-reports concerning sleep problems in young IBD patients.</p> 2021-08-13T17:23:30+08:00 Copyright (c) 2021 Ann-Kristin Manhart, Angelika A. Schlarb https://www.syncsci.com/journal/TCPP/article/view/TCPP.2021.01.003 Risk factors for neonatal sepsis in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo: A retrospective case-control study 2021-08-31T14:38:25+08:00 Adonis Muganza Nyenga editor@syncsci.com Olivier Mukuku oliviermukuku@yahoo.fr Janet Ziazia Sunguza editor@syncsci.com Amir N'simbo Assumani editor@syncsci.com Oscar Numbi Luboya editor@syncsci.com Stanislas Okitotsho Wembonyama editor@syncsci.com <p><strong>Purpose:</strong> Neonatal sepsis (NS) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Delays in the identification and treatment of NS are the main contributors to the high mortality. This study aims to identify risk factors for NS in newborns in the two university hospitals in Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. <br><strong>Methods:</strong> This hospital-based case-control study was carried out on 486 mother-newborn pairs using the systematic sampling method during November 2019 to October 2020. Data were analyzed using STATA software (version 15). Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed to identify the associated factors at 95% CI. <br><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 162 cases and 324 controls were included in this study. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the possible risk factors for NS in this study were low level of education (AOR = 9.16 [2.23-37.67]), maternal genitourinary tract infections (AOR = 42.59 [17.90-101.37]), premature rupture of membranes (AOR = 19.95 [7.27-54.76]), peripartum fever (AOR = 26.25 [2.31-297.83]), prolonged labor (AOR = 14.16 [3.88-51.71]), cesarean section (AOR = 3.57 [1.48-8.61]), obstructed vaginal delivery (AOR = 13.40 [1.32-136.19]), birth weight &lt;1500 grams (AOR = 70.38 [8.64-572.95]), and between 1500-2500 grams (AOR = 7.90 [3.04-20.52]). <br><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study found that maternal and neonatal factors were strongly associated with the risk of developing NS. The present study suggests the possibility of routine assessment of sepsis in newborns born with the above characteristics.</p> 2021-06-02T11:40:42+08:00 Copyright (c) 2021 Adonis Muganza Nyenga, Olivier Mukuku, Janet Ziazia Sunguza, Amir N'0simbo Assumani, Oscar Numbi Luboya, Stanislas Okitotsho Wembonyama https://www.syncsci.com/journal/TCPP/article/view/458 Melioidosis and sickle cell disease: Description of a rare association 2020-11-09T15:57:03+08:00 Mick Ya-Pongombo Shongo shongo.pongombo@unilu.ac.cd Mimi Mujing Yav shongo.pongombo@unilu.ac.cd Olivier Mukuku oliviermukuku@yahoo.fr Gaston Kankolongo shongo.pongombo@unilu.ac.cd Kumel Kasongo Kumelundu shongo.pongombo@unilu.ac.cd Aubin Ndjadi Wembonyama Kasongo aubinwembo@yahoo.fr Augustin Mulangu Mutombo augluboya@yahoo.fr André Kabamba Mutombo andremutombokl@yahoo.fr Paulo Muntu Bunga pbunga@gmail.com Léon Mwepu Tshilolo leontshilolo@gmail.com Oscar Numbi Luboya oscarluboya@yahoo.fr Stanis Okitotsho Wembonyama wembostanis@yahoo.fr <p>Melioidosis and its germ are increasingly reported on the African continent and particularly in Central Africa, probably due to the increased awareness of clinicians and microbiologists and the growing recognition of the organism. It is called "Great Mimicker" because it produces a wide range of clinical characteristics such as would be found in patients living with sickle cell disease (SCD) in particular. However, to date, no publication presents this association between melioidosis and SCD. The authors describe here 3 clinical cases presenting this very rare association between melioidosis and SCD. These are 3 children with SCD (homozygous SS) residing in Lubumbashi in Haut-Katanga province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. One patient presented with sepsis as a clinical form of the disease. All 3 had presented a pulmonary form. Only one patient was treated specifically after the diagnosis of melioidosis; for the other two, this diagnosis was confirmed after their death. Thus the death rate is 66.67%. This article describes, through these 3 clinical cases, a very rare first association between melioidosis and SCD. This association requires research to establish whether, like Thalassemia, SCD can be considered a risk factor for melioidosis. A screening of cases of melioidosis in the general population should allow us to focus on this.</p> 2020-11-09T15:34:33+08:00 Copyright (c) 2020 Mick Ya-Pongombo Shongo, Mimi Mujing Yav, Olivier Mukuku, Gaston Kankolongo, Kumel Kasongo Kumelundu, Aubin Ndjadi Wembonyama Kasongo, Augustin Mulangu Mutombo, André Kabamba Mutombo, Paulo Muntu Bunga, Léon Mwepu Tshilolo, Oscar Numbi Luboya, Stanis Okitotsho Wembonyama